Job Postings

Hidden jobs are welcomed for sharing at
jobs@augustgroup.org.
If the job your neighbor, friend or family shared with you is not right for you, it might be perfect for an August Group colleague.
This is a great place for practicing "give to get." With 1600 members, what can happen here when members own the content?

We welcome volunteers to coordinate the job postings on a weekly basis.
Employers and members submit jobs that must be readied for inclusion in the
newsletter. A lack of help means fewer jobs get posted in a timely manner.
Why not be the first one to see new postings.

Have an idea for a weekly column you would like to start? We welcome your contributions. Make a difference. Share
your ideas with The August Group.
Submit your idea to
newsletter@augustgroup.org.

Networking Tips for Speakers

by Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon

Contributed by Sue Schnorr, President, of Training Insights, Inc.

#1 No-No

Don’t say, “I’m too busy,” or “I’m too broke,” or “I’m too bashful.”

#1 Know-How

Join at least two professional associations - one should be your peer group.
The other to join will be an association that serves your (one of target
market(s). Since my markets include associations and corporations, I’m
active in Potomac Meeting Professionals International and Greater Washington
Society of Association Executives.

#2 No-No

Don’t answer the often asked, “What do you do?” with a job category, job
title, job jargon, or the name of your company.

#2 Know-How

Make your answers (you’ll probably have several) short, snappy, memorable,
jargon-free, interesting, and crystal clear. Sometimes I say, “I show
lawyers and CPAs how to bring in the business. Last week I gave a keynote
and a workshop for patent lawyers at a convention in New Orleans. I’ve begun
to display my character and competence, and it’s easy for the other person
to get a conversation going with me. Even if the other person just asks,
“How did you like New Orleans,” you’ve got a conversation going!

#3 No-No

When someone asks, “What’s new?” don’t ever say, “Not much.”

#3 Know-How

Be prepared . . . to be spontaneous. You say you weren’t born with the gift
of gab? Think ahead of time to have topics ready - topics that you’re eager
to talk about because of who you are and where you’ve been and what you’re
looking for. Respond to “What’s new?” with ideas, information, recent
successes, inquiries about resources you’re looking for. In short, prepare
an “agenda” so your small talk is smart talk.

4 No-No

4 Know-How

If you “blank” on a name, you’ve got three choices. Don’t you often remember
the topic, even though you can’t recall the name? So say, “Great to see you
again. How was your trip to New Mexico?” Or say, “I’m Lynne, Lynne Waymon.
We sat next to each other last month.” Or say with enthusiasm and warmth,
“Hi. I remember you. Tell me your name again.”

5 No-No

Don’t go for a cardboard connection - kidding yourself that you’re
“networking” just because you handed out 23 business cards.

5 Know-How

Pour your energy into making a conversational connection. Look for a reason
to hand out your business card. As you listen, ask yourself what resources
you have or people you know that the other person could benefit from
knowing. Then offer to make the connection. When you listen generously you
don’t need excuses for asking for a business card and or to re connect -
you’ve got real reasons. “I’ll send you that article on how to market your
web site.” Or, “Here’s my card. Thanks so much for sending me the name of
your book agent.” Or “I’ll email you with the name and address of the
speaker we talked about - glad I could help you find another member to speak
at your conference.”

Whether you love it or hate it, were born with the gift of gab - - - or just
fake it, networking know-how is crucial to your success as a speaker. With a
little practice, you can make networking an art . . . not an accident.

Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon are principals of Contacts Count, a nationwide
consulting and training firm that specializes in business and professional
networking, and career development. They are co-authors of six books. The
most recent is Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Business
and Career Success (2007, AMACOM). Fortune 500 companies license their
training programs. Visit them at
www.ContactsCount.com and
www.FireProofYourCareer.com.

Sue is a sought-after speaker offering keynotes, training workshops,
webinars and coaching sessions. She collaborates with the authors of Make Your Contacts Count as the exclusive Certified Contacts Count Associate in
Upstate New York. She can be reached at 585-442-3443 or sue@training-insights.com.

Success in Networking: Back to Work Thanks to The August Group &
LinkedIn
contributed by Greg Taylor

I often hear two dismissive themes spoken by job seekers. It is assumed that
networking with unemployed professionals is highly ineffective. Secondly, it
is believed that LinkedIn is over-hyped, not important and rarely
productive. The remainder of this article includes a true story that
challenges both beliefs and offers insights as to the fallacy of these
assumptions.

The following is the story of Martha MacPherson, a member of the Victor
Power Networking Group (VPNG). VPNG is an affiliated group of The August
Group that meets separately on a weekly basis. It has been the weekly
initiative of John Bayley, its founder and leader since 2002. Membership in
this most successful group has requirements many consider demanding.

LinkedIn Success Story

I checked jobs on LinkedIn on a daily basis while I
was conducting my full-time job search to see if anything new had come up.
One day, a job popped up from Emerge Partners, a company I had never heard
of. The job was not of interest to me but I was intrigued by the company so
I checked out their website, found it very interesting and aligned with what
I had been doing for the last few years. They are a digital and direct
Marketing Agency headquartered in NYC and Rochester, rapidly growing and
doing well. Then I checked out the poster's profile on LinkedIn, Parnell
Woodard, the CEO. I noticed one of my August Group (VPNG) associates, Julio
Ahumada, was linked to Parnell, so I asked for a warm referral to him via
LinkedIn and we met a few days later for networking and coffee. We met off
and on for a few months, chatting about how I could help the company, and on
February 9th, I started as Director of Sales! I am a firm believer in
LinkedIn and consider myself a "power user."

The August Group Makes a Difference

Frequently, The August Group is dismissed as irrelevant since networking
with unemployed professionals is believed to be highly ineffective because
its members are unemployed. One might think this limiting belief, but in
fact the employment status of one's network contacts is absolutely
inconsequential to their effectiveness. When a professional "becomes a free
agent" those they know in the working world remain a part of their network
and available to assist them usually. There are some small thinking working
professionals who fear the unemployed as lepers. Some working professionals
have encountered too frequently the job seeker whose networking is a one-way
street, serving the job seeker's need exclusively. Rightfully so some
working professionals disdain this type of networking and ultimately now
refrain from continuing to assist those in transition.

One might think that working connections are more helpful. While that is
true it is primarily because there are more people working by a 9:1 ratio.
They are numerous and easier to find. Ignoring those who are unemployed,
available, motivated to help and sympathetic to one's situation can enable
many connections as one begins to network. Working people are simply very
busy and sometimes less sympathetic to the challenge of unemployment. Both
populations equally offer opportunities to make valuable connections and the
results are similarly effective.

It should be noted also that most August Group members are now working with
many acknowledging the value of networking as instrumental in returning to
work. A regrettable fact, that cannot be denied, is that when returning to
work, the networking skills learned in transition are seldom demonstrated
until needed again. The resolve to remain connected diminishes much like a
New Year's resolution to lose weight, exercise or changes one's ways.
Networking is natural and enjoyable for just a few. For all others it is a
challenge and easily avoided, yet its importance like good health is not to
be denied. It's been said, "when you stop networking, be wary lest you find
yourself soon "notworking."

Martha and Julio met because they were job seekers and were connected by a
Power Networking Group (PNG). Julio had returned to work but remained open
to helping others after returning to work. The PNG offerings have been the
most successful program of The August Group. If you are not engaged, join
one or start one and you'll find your search accelerated.

Leveraging LinkedIn Successfully

Very frequently I find that several who dismiss LinkedIn do so because
they have neither explored its capabilities nor invested any time in using
the social networking tool enjoyed by 40 million worldwide. One can't judge
what one has not investigated. Ignorance pays a heavy toll. Yes, if you if
have not done your homework, the results you yield will be minimal.
Routinely, I find that members with scant profiles and a few connections are
the ones quick to deny its benefits. Yes, there are no benefits for them.
Little effort yields poor results. Also merely sending and accepting
invitations simply does not produce the desired results. That only grows a
network pointlessly. There is much to learn to effectively benefit from
LinkedIn.

Let me share an analogy and expand upon it. Connecting with several in
LinkedIn and doing nothing more than connect is much like turning on a car
and complaining that it gets you nowhere. You must put it in gear! You must
steer, accelerate, brake and turn to get to where you wish to go. Some with
networks of hundreds believe they have mastered LinkedIn when in truth they
have a good foundation but are often underestimating its power and value.
Again, let me use the automotive analogy. I've met several who proudly
proclaim their LinkedIn prowess attributing their wisdom to the size of
their network, yet in fact they only utilize 40-50% of LinkedIn's capacity.
I liken this to owning an automobile yet not knowing that it has headlights
and you can drive at night and you can drive in the rain turning on the
windshield wipers, and you can be entertained while driving turning on your
sound system. Discovering the full value of LinkedIn benefits is lost by
many who have failed to give it appropriate attention and exploration.

In Conclusion

Martha's story is evidence of how investing her time in LinkedIn on a
daily basis yielded rewarding opportunities and connections. Her weekly
commitment to the VPNG meetings and the daily commitment to meeting with two
professionals in conjunction with filling the pipeline with her LinkedIn
activity brought her success. Neither alone is highly effective. Investing
in one activity without the other can be frustrating, time-consuming and
less effective. It's like hoping on one leg to get somewhere. Be wary of
these false assumptions about LinkedIn and The August Group. Invest in the
appropriate activity and you'll find success sooner.

Greg is the Founder of The August Group, a recruiter and entrepreneur
offering a myriad for services to employers and professionals including
coaching and consulting. He can be reached at 585-785-8600 or
gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com

Contributed by Hannah Morgan, Training Specialist at RochesterWorks

Hannah
composes her blog outside of work hours as a personal passion to assist
those in career transition.

Book Reviews and Good Reads

Other Offerings - Share Yours
Got a book you'd like to share with others and lead in discussion? It's a
great way to contribute, add value and get known. Provide the story line on
the book and submit it to Greg Taylor at
gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com for
discussion, coordination and promotion.

Move forward, change and human rules about change, no one is perfect
but there are devils in this world.

The two way street on the journey!

Continuing your success is evolutionary!

Contributed by Greg Taylor

In February we offered for the first time a book discussion group that met
twice a week over breakfast. The plan was to read two chapters for each
session and to complete the book in three weeks. The book discussed was
Ask The Headhunter by Nick Corcodilos. The group continued for a month
not wanting to rush the material and the sessions never ended before 90
minutes. In the process the group supported each other adopting the wisdoms
learned in the book. The group continues to meet on a monthly basis for
breakfast staying in touch and recalling parts of the book that may be less
easily implemented.

Based upon the success of this program we'll continue to offer book
discussions as a way to expand one's thinking and get different
perspectives. These discussions will be conducted at hours that permit both
working and job seeking professionals to attend. Anyone can read a book
alone. Discussion enhances one's understanding, missed points and in the end
you build relationships with others in the group. The August Group offers
more than contacts in general sessions. We provide opportunities to build
relationships.

There is a fee for engaging in these programs. These programs are hosted at
The Bagel Bin in appreciation of the contributions they have made to the
group since 2002. A meal is provided with each meeting. All excess proceeds
are contributed to The August Group by Excelsior Search Partners the sponsor
of this initiative.

Current offerings include:

It is suggested that you might review these books at the public library or
visit Amazon.com for reviews and purchase. Perhaps August Group members will
build a library of books to be shared at The Bagel Bin addressing career,
and professional networking.

Ask The Headhunter

By Nick CorcodilosThe lessons learned are contradictory to conventional job search
strategies offered by most career advisors, typically HR professionals. Mr.
Corcodilos, as a headhunter, makes his living knowing how hiring happens.
His approach is very contested by HR professionals who he dismisses as
irrelevant in the process of getting the job. He grants that HR
professionals are key contacts to be honored when pursuing a job in HR only.
He widely dismisses most career advice offered in books and media by HR
professionals.

He asserts that ideally you send one resume to secure one interview to
obtain a job offer that you will accept, negotiate or decline. His insights
and recommendations with regards to interviewing are certainly radical. When
executed with confidence they prove highly effective. You never send a
resume to a job board posting or company posting. Your resume is always
presented to the hiring manager by a sponsor. It's hard work. Fewer resumes
submitted, more effective results. It's game-changing.

His approach is unique, effective and unconventional. If the conventional
advice your following is not working for you, this radical approach might be
the difference making ticket. NOTE: no one dropped out of the book
discussion and all want to remain in touch and all praise the book as
thought changing. Visit his website to learn more
www.AskTheHeadHunter.com.

The Now Habit

By Neil Fiore, Ph.D.

Ever find it a challenge to get things done? Does your free time find you
sometimes feeling guilty knowing you have things to get done. You're like
everyone else. We all procrastinate. Maybe your job search finds you
avoiding and procrastinating action. Can you afford to continue delaying the
satisfaction you desire.

This book is unlike all other books written to address this human frailty.
It's not written by a time management guru or some get organized freak. This
is written by a psychologist who studied his own personal behaviors and that
of others. He has studied it as a science. The questions he asks - Why do we
procrastinate and how do we procrastinate. When you note your own behaviors
and become aware of your motivations you'll be able to develop a program
that will far surpass time management system or get organized program.

Recommended Reads

Few people are lucky to find work they truly enjoy where they lose track of
time while being so engaged and make money. Some in career transition find
themselves stuck not really knowing what they want. I have met many who want
something more in their next job. You can't easily ask for assistance from
others when you're not sure what help and connections you wish. If you've
not yet achieved what you wish in your life this book, in my humble opinion,
is different from all other similar books.

When one is "in their element" Robinson suggests they have engaged fully
their gift or aptitude (I Get It) with their passion (I Love It) where the
conditions of attitude (I Want It) and opportunity (Where Is It?) come
together. He shares with the reader several vignettes of noted gifted
achievers and how they overcame their limitations imbued by our culture, the
educational system and personal beliefs. He then guides one through a series
of topics that include Thinking Differently, Beyond Imagining, In The Zone,
Find Your Tribe, For Love or Money and more.

If you find yourself pondering your next steps and envious of those who make
a living doing work they love, then this is an excellent resource for your
searching soul.

Feature Articles

Have an article to contribute? We welcome your contributions. Make a
difference. Share a story. Submit it to
newsletter@augustgroup.org.

Thursday, June 4, 2009R. Thomas Flynn Campus CenterMonroe Community College

Please come to a meeting at the Bagel Bin, Wednesday, March 4th at 8:30 a.m.
Bring your target companies w/contact information if possible, enthusiasm,
and take a step to help the companies within the Rochester area achieve
their goals while likely improving your opportunities.